Cleaning device



April 14, 1931. s. L. SMITH 1,301,113

CLEANING DEVICE Original Filed Dec. 18, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ATTORNEY April 1931- s. SMITH 1,801,118

CLEANING DEVICE Original Filed Dec. 18, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 14, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLEANING nnvrcn Y Application filed December 18,1929, Serial No 415,079. Renewed February 18, 1931.

This invention relates to cleaning devices for washing var1ous articles, cleainng wall paper, floor covering and like surfaces, and

may be used with or without water or other cleansing agent, the invention being especially adapted for dusting, scrubbing, washing windows, automobiles, dishes, bath tubs, sinks, etc.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a cleaning device of novel construction which includes compressible cleaning elements removably secured within a holder, the latter embodying a novel means to clamp the cleaning elements in position.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention further includes the following novel features and details of construction, to be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings 1 Figure 1 is an elevation of the invention. Figure 2 is a view with the cleaning elements removed and the clamping arms in locked position.

Figure 3 is an edge view with the parts arranged as shown in Figure 1.

. Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 with the arms released.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary section on the line 6-6 of Figure 2.

Figures 7 and 8 are sections taken respectively on the lines 7-7 and 88 of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts, the reference character 10 indicates the handle of the device which carries a shank 11. This shank is formed of a length of flat metal and has struck from its opposite side edges, prongs or fingers 12, the said prongs or fingers extending laterally in opposite directions with the outermost fingers located at the outer extremity of the shank.

Pivotally secured to the shank as shown at 13 are the inner ends of clamping arms 14. These arms are shaped as shown in Figures 2 and 4 of the drawings so that their major portions will be disposed substantially parallel with the shank when the arms are located in clamping position.

The arms 14 are substantially U-shaped in cross sectionso as to reinforce and stiffen the same, the inner ends of the arms receiving the opposite side edges of the shank as shown in' Figures 5 and 7 of the drawings, so that when the arms are arranged in clamping position they will be rigidly held. The outer ends of the arms extend inwardly so as to provide inturned gripping extremities 15.

Slidable upon the shank 11 is a sleeve 16, and this sleeve is adapted to engage over the inner ends of the arms 14 as shown in Figures l, 2, 3, 5 and 7 of the drawings to lock the arms in clamping position. The sleeve is provided with a finger piece 17 for convenience of manipulation.

Cleaning elements 18 are clamped upon the shank 11 by means of the arms 14. These cleaning elements are formed of suitable compressible absorbent material, such as sponge rubber and the like and are arranged upon opposite sides of the shank so that when the arms 14 are forced inward, the prongs or fingers 12 will penetrate these compressible elements, as will be the inturned extremities 15 of the arms. The cleaning elements will thus be securely held in position with the shank and arms embedded therein as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings.

If desired, the arms may be covered with a rubber or other protecting tube so that contact of these arms with the surface being cleaned will be impossible.

It is preferred to offset the shank adjacent the handle 10 as shown at 19, so that the cleaning elements 18 will be offset with respect to the handle. Flat surfaces may be thus conveniently cleaned with the hand of the user spaced from such surface.

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Having described the invention what is claimed is 1. In a cleaning device, a handle, a shank extending from and rigid with the handle, prongs extendin laterally from opposite edges of the shan a compressible absorbent element positioned upon opposite sides of the shank and receiving the prongs, movable means carried by the shank and embedded in the m .r ssible e em t. to force th l tte p the n Q gs, and means to hol the i vable means in position.

2. In a cleaning device, a handle, an elongated flat shank extending from and rigid with the handle, prongs extending laterally .at opposite side edges of the shank, arms having their inner ends pivotally secured to and embracing the opposite side edg o h shank, i tu ned extr mities at th u er ends o h m eyondths uter end of the shank, compressible abs0rbent. ele m nt clampe e ween t thank an a and m ans o hold the arms agai s p vot l mov m n In est mo y Wh eQf l a fix my 1 na r S DNEY L1 3., ,ITH- 

